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My dog was neutered today. Is redness, swelling, or licking normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dog was neutered today and I was wondering if redness is normal. There is no leakage but some swelling. He has the e collar but did lick the wound

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2016

Yes moderate amounts of redness are normal the same day and up to 3-4 days after the day of the surgery. No leakage is good and no smell are good signs that things are a-ok with the incision site. I would discourage licking of the incision site at all costs. I would recommend keeping the e-collar on at all time, if your pet has a difficult time eating with it on then you can temporarily remove it but then place it right back on to prevent re-opening of the incision site or infection due to excessive licking.

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26Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 16th, 2023

    Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. A bit of swelling is normal post-op, even at 7 days. DO NOT allow him to continue to lick it. If you don't have a cone collar then you will need to get one to put on him. Remember, the collar must be long enough to go past the end of his nose or he will still be able to lick it. He should wear the collar for at least another 7 days. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-recovery-cone-collar-large-1225-21-3498991 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 15th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks pretty good as far as I can see. A small amount of swelling is ok, but the best thing you can do is put an ice pack on the area. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel or paper towel and apply for 5 minutes 2-6 times per day. If it becomes about twice this size or if the incision is red, there is discharge from the incision, or you have other concerns, see your regular vet or an emergency vet if needed. If Toffee is licking at it, he must be put in an E-collar immediately. This will need to be kept on at ALL times for at least 10 days. Best of luck to you and Toffee!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on September 10th, 2017

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It does look irritated and it is evident that he has been licking at it. It does not appear that the incision has opened up and there is no severe discharge or anything so I think that he should be ok and the incision will continue to heal as long as you prevent him from licking at it. As much as he hates de cone, I highly advice that you put it back on. It is only temporary for another 10 days or so which is better than having incision issues and then having to use it for longer. If he develops any discharge or the incision becomes open, have him evaluated by your veterinarian. Have a good day!

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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